Nardole joins The Doctor and Bill in new adventures

Matt Lucas is returning to Doctor Who as bumbling duffel-coated Nardole, the BBC has confirmed.

Last seen in The Husbands Of River Song, Lucas will appear from the first episode of series 10, alongside Peter Capaldi as The Doctor and new companion Pearl Mackie (The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time).

Commenting on his return to Doctor Who, Matt Lucas, says: “I’m chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I’m excited to work with Pearl.”

Stephanie Hyam will also guest star in the new series (Jekyll & Hyde, Peaky Blinders).

Steven Moffat, lead writer and Executive Producer, adds: “Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS – and this time it’s not just for Christmas, he’s sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space.”

The opening episode of series 10 is written by showrunner Steven Moffat. Episode two is written by award winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Doctor Who is produced by BBC Cymru Wales for BBC One. Series 10 starts filming next week in Cardiff (Monday 20 June) and will return in December 2016 with a Christmas Special, followed by the new series in 2017.